Train Song
Great Isaac Lyrics
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I got my coffee and cigarettes; I think that I'm good to go,
I want to wear a bandana across my face just like the old days,
They call me an artist, but I won't be starvin' because I know that this gig pays.
Well, I've got guts, and I've got my pride.
I don't need a conscience tuggin' on my side.
I asked my girlfriend if she loves me and she told me she thinks so,
We'll settle down in another town, I'll build a house when this is done,
I'm a courageous man with a steady hand, and that steady hand's holding a gun.
Well, I've got guts, & I've got my pride.
I don't need a conscience tuggin' on my side.
In "Train Song," Great Isaac sings about a journey he's taken to pursue his career as an artist. He starts off the song by describing the scene of a sunrise as the whistle of a train blows. He shows his preparedness for his journey with coffee and cigarettes, and then mentions his desire to wear a bandana across his face, reminiscent of the times when train robbers would wear bandanas to hide their faces. Great Isaac labels himself an artist, but isn't worried about starving because he believes he'll make enough money performing.
He then talks about his pride and his lack of a conscience, showing his determination to succeed at any cost. He emphasizes that he has eyes made of dollar signs and a heart made of gold, a metaphor that suggests he isn't entirely corrupt yet. He mentions his girlfriend briefly, indicating that he has someone close to him, but is still willing to take risks and leave town to pursue his dream. The song ends with him affirming his courage and his steady hand, which is holding a gun, adding a layer of danger and unpredictability to his character. Overall, "Train Song" paints the picture of someone who's willing to take risks and put everything on the line to achieve his goals.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun's a risin' it's a shinin' as the whistle blows,
It's morning and I hear the train arriving, so it's time to go.
I got my coffee and cigarettes; I think that I'm good to go,
I have my essentials, so I am ready to start the day.
I want to wear a bandana across my face just like the old days,
I want to experience the thrill of living dangerously, just like in the past.
They call me an artist, but I won't be starvin' because I know that this gig pays.
Although I am often called an artist, I know that the work I do is financially rewarding.
Well, I've got guts, and I've got my pride.
I have courage and self-esteem.
I don't need a conscience tuggin' on my side.
I am unburdened by feelings of guilt or morality.
My eyes are made of dollar signs and I have a heart made of gold,
I am focused on making money, but I still consider myself a good person.
I asked my girlfriend if she loves me and she told me she thinks so,
I am uncertain about the depth of my romantic relationship.
We'll settle down in another town, I'll build a house when this is done,
When my current job is finished, we will move to a new location and start a new life.
I'm a courageous man with a steady hand, and that steady hand's holding a gun.
I am brave and skilled with firearms, which gives me a sense of power and control.
Contributed by Adalyn S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.